The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council on Tuesday described the passing of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III as shocking and one death too many to bear for the media professionals in the State and beyond.
Alaafin died at the age of 83years last Saturday after reigning for 52years on the throne.
The State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola in a statement signed by the Secretary, Comrade Sola Oladapo said the Union mourned the late monarch for his unquantifiable sacrifices for the Oyo kingdom, Yoruba nation and humanity in general.
Babalola said Alaafin was a father to all Journalists in the State. “Kabiyesi used the throne to associate freely with the NUJ and its members through regular financial supports and recognition he gave to many senior Journalists in a way that his loss has become a huge loss to the Union, its leaders and members as a whole.”
“Today, the NUJ is mourning the loss of a father; the best media-friendly monarch and newsmaker of note. Baba associated with the NUJ at all times. He was a bridge between the old and young Journalists in the State.
“Kabiyesi supported NUJ at all seasons; he made significant contributions to the administrations of my past leaders, Wale Ojo-Lanre and Gbenga Opadotun (a.k.a. Ekuro) and countless others. And he was till recently, great motivator of my leadership as he graced the year 2020 Press Week opening ceremony as our Royal Father and made me the Chairman, Media sub-Committeee for his 50th anniversary on the throne which never held due to the further spread of Coronavirus in year 2021.
“When the Coronvirus became widespread, Kabiyesi invited myself and a Senior journalist in the state, Chief Tunde Busari to his inner room and confided in us that he was cancelling the 50th coronation ceremony and sought our understanding on the development.
“The Alaafin, a first class brain would be sorely missed by Journalists; both practising and veterans including Editors of notable media organisations in the country. He was a repertoire of knowledge, cultural icon and encyclopedia of Yoruba history,” Babalola added.
